IIM Jammu, organized an enriching Immersion Program for MBA Students of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Sonipat, Haryana. The program, spanning from 19th Jan to 23rd Jan 2026, aimed to foster collaborative learning and industry exposure among the budding management professionals. The Inaugural event commenced with the symbolic lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment that comes with knowledge. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu. The event was graced by Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu and Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Program Director, IIM Jammu. The training program consisted of 27 participants.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, delivered the inaugural address and highlighted the Institute’s rapid growth and its role in shaping future business leaders. He emphasized nurturing visionary leaders along with competent managers to address the evolving business landscape. Referring to the Immersion Programme as a platform for collaborative learning and industry exposure, he said it is vital for the holistic development of NIFTEM students and for building career-ready skills. Recalling his association with NIFTEM since its early days, he mentioned the Institute’s excellent location and growing infrastructure, and urged participants to remain focused, curious, and demanding in their learning. He stressed the need for industry collaboration, active participation, and discussion to set new benchmarks and achieve deeper learning and expressed his willingness to collaborate further.
Dr. Vikas Saxena, Professor Statistics and Operations Research, NIFTEM, Sonipat, Haryana appreciated the well-managed arrangements and said that the programme would be a valuable learning experience for him as well. He shared that NIFTEM has recently launched its MBA programme with dual specializations, and the participating students, currently in their second year, are among the early batches as the Institute strives to build a strong academic foundation. He acknowledged the support of Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, and expressed confidence that the five-day programme would be mutually enriching, wishing all participants success.
Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, IIM Jammu, expressed his happiness at the enthusiastic participation of the attendees and welcomed them to the new campus. He also gave an overview of IIM Jammu’s Executive Education and Consultancy activities. Encouraging participants to explore the Institute’s infrastructure, including the Nalanda Library, he urged them to interact with students and faculty, apply the knowledge gained, and make full use of the learning opportunities. He concluded by wishing them happy learning and a fulfilling stay at the Institute. He underscored the significance of Executive Education in equipping students with practical skills and industry insights, essential for navigating the dynamic business landscape. Through Executive Education initiatives, IIM Jammu aims to empower students with the tools and expertise needed to excel in their professional endeavors, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Program Director, IIM Jammu, stated that the programme has been curated to support career progression through structured courses addressing organizational dynamics, conflict and crisis management, and behavioural mechanisms to eliminate biases, with learnings drawn from institutions such as NIFTEM. She added that the sessions will be experiential in nature and aligned with the IIM case-based methodology to ensure practical learning. Encouraging participants to remain inquisitive, she assured them of full academic support and urged them to take maximum leverage of the programme.
During the Immersion Program, the students from NIFTEM took the opportunity to formally introduce themselves and share their aspirations for the five-day program ahead. Each student articulated their background, interests, and career aspirations, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Their eagerness to participate and engage demonstrated their enthusiasm for learning and their commitment to maximizing the opportunities provided by the program. As they embark on this journey of collaborative learning and industry exposure, the students from NIFTEM expressed their hopes of gaining valuable insights, honing their skills, and networking with professionals to further their academic and professional endeavors.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Program Director at IIM Jammu, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and participation. The gathering culminated with the rendition of the national anthem, symbolizing unity, and patriotism. The five-day program structure crafted specially for the MBA students of NIFTEM includes discussions on various management and business aspects ranging from Introduction to International Business, Forex Markets, A Marketer’s Toolkit, Content Marketing and Branding Strategies, to Exploring Generative AI in Digital Marketing, and much more.
The Immersion Program at IIM Jammu stands as a testament to the institute's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering industry-academia collaboration. Through such initiatives, IIM Jammu continues to set new benchmarks in management education and contribute significantly to the development of future-ready leaders.
